Police free 16 foreign kidnap victims in Ogun

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 16 foreign nationals who were allegedly abducted and held captive in a hideout in Onipanu-Ota, Ogun State, during coordinated operations carried out across seven states.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the intelligence-led operations, conducted between August 3 and 4, also resulted in the arrest of several suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal suspects.

According to him, the Ogun operation led to the arrest of a suspected fraudster and kidnap suspect allegedly linked to multiple victims in Ogun, Oyo and Osun states.

Police also recovered a Malian international passport during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the principal suspect. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation.

In Enugu State, joint security operatives rescued two kidnapped victims unhurt after engaging suspected abductors in a gun battle. Fifteen rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, mobile phones, cash and other exhibits were recovered from the suspects’ hideout. The victims were treated and reunited with their families.

In Plateau State, police arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered an AK-47 rifle along with 30 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Authorities said the suspects were linked to a kidnapping case, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang who escaped.

Police operatives in Oyo State also arrested three suspected armed robbers and cultists during a stop-and-search operation, recovering a locally fabricated pistol and an axe.

In a separate operation, joint security personnel rescued a kidnapped victim after a gun battle with suspected abductors in the state.

In Delta State, police arrested a suspect over the alleged rape of a pregnant woman. The victim was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, while the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba.

Meanwhile, in Benue State, three foreign nationals were arrested following intelligence reports linking them to alleged clandestine activities. They remain in police custody as investigations continue.

In Katsina State, police operatives engaged suspected bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds. Three rustled cows were recovered, while security operatives launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

The police said the operations form part of ongoing nationwide efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other violent crimes.